WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Many news stories have
reported on cases of students being diagnosed with a virulent staph
infection known as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus -- MRSA for
short. Now a diverse group of organizations are elevating nationwide
awareness of the steps that communities can take to combat the spread of
staph infections.

The National Education Association (NEA), the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), and The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA)
are speaking out on the importance of proper and effective personal hygiene
and surface cleaning practices.

"Clearly, parents are concerned about the increase in serious health
conditions being caused by staph infections that have been impacting
schools around the nation," said Jerald Newberry, Executive Director,
National Education Association Health Information Network. "NEA, through
its Health Information Network, is working with parents and school
employees to convey the importance of thorough hand cleansing several times
a day. In addition, when staph and MRSA skin infections occur, it is
important to clean and disinfect surfaces that are likely to contact
uncovered or poorly covered infections. These measures can go a long way in
preventing the spread of many germs in school settings."

"Covering infections will greatly reduce the risks of surfaces becoming
contaminated with staph, including MRSA," said Rachel Gorwitz, medical
epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "But
students should remember even if a surface is contaminated and you touch
it, you can remove that germ from your hands through simple washing with
everyday soap and warm water."

"Very simply put, common sense cleaning, disinfecting and hand hygiene
saves people's lives," said Nancy Bock, SDA Vice President of Education.
"It is important that school surfaces are cleaned and disinfected
regularly, and that custodial crews use those cleaning products safely and
properly.

"We also remind student athletes and their families to regularly wash
their uniforms and sports outfits in hot water and laundry detergent."

According to the CDC, good hygiene is critical in preventing the spread
of staph, including MRSA: (1)

-- Cover your wound. Keep wounds that are draining or have pus covered

with clean, dry bandages until healed. Follow your healthcare

provider's instructions on proper care of the wound. Pus from

infected wounds can contain staph, including MRSA, so keeping the

infection covered will help prevent the spread to others. Bandages

and tape can be discarded with the regular trash.

-- Clean your hands frequently. You, your family, and others in close

contact should wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use

an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after changing the bandage

or touching the infected wound.

-- Do not share personal items. Avoid sharing personal items, such as

towels, washcloths, razors, clothing, or uniforms that may have had

contact with the infected wound or bandage. Wash sheets, towels, and

clothes that become soiled with water and laundry detergent. Use a

dryer to dry clothes completely.

And when you are around someone who has a staph infection, there are
additional steps that can be taken to avoid spreading the infection to
family and friends, including: (2)

The Soap and Detergent Association (http://www.cleaning101.com), the Home of
the U.S. Cleaning Product and Oleochemical IndustriesSM, is the non-profit
trade association representing manufacturers of household, industrial, and
institutional cleaning products, their ingredients and finished packaging;
oleochemical producers; and chemical distributors to the cleaning product
industry. SDA members produce more than 90 percent of the cleaning products
marketed in the U.S. The SDA is located at 1500 K Street, NW, Suite 300,
Washington, DC 20005.

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